Walter, I have had some dealings with Mike, not without some problems typical of dealing with a one man band with too much on (been there - done that!) and he seems to have constant computor problems and is also too busy it seems to update the website which makes no mention of paddler hulls or kits nor Junks for that matter. Can you give some details from the catalogue about what size the paddler hulls work out at 1:48 scale and also what comes with them for the money. I am still in the market for a good big paddler hull or kit but would need some reassurance that he actually had a finished example ready to ship before ordering. Thanks, Ian.

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"Every time I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel it turns out to be some bastard with a train trying to run me down!"

Hi Ian. the easy way to find a model length is to take the full size hull in feet and divide it by the scale feet, the result is length in inches. Example: BRISTOL QUEEN is 244 feet long. at 1/48th scale (1inch = four feet) divide 244 by 4 gives 61 inches.CARDIFF QUEEN is240 feet long. divide by 4 =60 inchesWAVERLEY is 239 ft 6inches divide by 4 = a tiny fraction under 60 inches.

This holds good for all scales. 1/24 is 1 inch to 2 feet, divide hull length by 2 gives length in inches (Ex. !00 feet divided by 2 = 50 inch model hull.this holds good for all scales. 1/12th, divider is 1. 1/24, divider is 2. 1/36, divider is three. 1/48th divider is 4. 1/60, divider is 5. 1/72, divider is 6 etc. A nice quick way to work out model length.Mike Mayhews hulls come with a plan only., though he has many suitable fittings in his range.To put you fully in the picture, Mike is a one-man band not only does he produce hulls plans and fittings, he also builds a large number of bespoke models to order, so he is always pushed for time!I think like me, he is in awe of computers and apologised to me for not answering messages etc as his computer is constantly going AWOL, a bit like mine.I have no connection to mike, other than meeting and talking to him and finding him a really pleasant chap. He is a first class modeller and a true enthusiast. Regards, Walter.

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Bill Hudson

I am not familiar with the person producing the hull kits but I feel I must speak in defense of the "one man show." I was producing 1:48 cast metal kits of horse drawn logging and road building equipment along with the horses and men. I did it all from D&D, production, sorting, packaging and mailing. That included writing and printing the instructions a and graphics. It can become overwhelming. Mostly the profit margin is very slim to none. There is not enough work to support even minimal outside help let alone oneself. An there is not usually enough time in a day to do it all. If the guy puts out a really good kit it is beat to give him room to work. Have patience or like so many others he will get tired of the complaints and pressure and flick it in.

Thanks for that Walter. I was aware of how to work out the size from the scale, just not aware of the length of the full size boats. I will go searching now for pictures of the originals although I guess the hulls would lend themselves to being used to build replicas of many different boats. Having run a one man business I realise that it can very easily get on top of you and past delays would not stop me from ordering from Mike again but when you are on the other side of the world a lack of information on the website and slow or no replies to emails does not make it easy. Cheers, Ian.

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"Every time I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel it turns out to be some bastard with a train trying to run me down!"

Daryl

Just picked up a Waverely hulland plans from Mike atr Clevedon, my son and I are very pleased. With the fittings and paddle wheel set available from Mikes excellent catalouge that's a few christmas and Birthday presants sorted out. we find him very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. As we live in Gloucester its only a short way down the M5 and allways a pleasure to pop in to his workshop.

Wholeheartedly recommended, my son has his eye on a Cardiff queen when he has finished Waverley.

I have also been to Mikes premises. A truly wonderful place for boat mad people like us. I have placed my order for the Waverley as well. How did you get on with yours, Dayrl ? I appreciate the topic is two year later, but hey, some people take that long to actually build these models.

He is still as busy as ever and has loads of hulls and spares. he is reasonably near to me so I know where to go for that urgent part.

Cheers...ken

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Daryl

I found the hull very good quality and the plans clear and accurate. I did however amend them as the plans was for a previous version. During her last major refit Waverley undergone a few changes to her superstructure so I allowed for these from photo's my son and I taken.

I have nowhere near finished her yet, in fatc I have barely started, keep getting sidetracked1

Yes, Daryl, I was shown the unprepared hull and it appeared Not to need a lot of stiffening. Mike assured me that the deck, when fitted would brace it enough.

As it was yet to be cleaned up and trimmed from the mold, I was unable to take it away on that visit. I look forward to returning and collect it. I don't know about amending anything, as I've not even built a Paddler yet and it might all go horribly wrong.

It is a full time hobby, like you imply, with other boaty things on the go. I'm desperately trying to finish off two myself, ready the Mayhem Bash on May 24th.

Cheers...Ken

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Despite the high cost of living, it still remains popular.

Daryl

Hi Ken,I have found ours didn't need any stiffening at all, for the rivet counters the hull is deeper than scale. Apparently this is to make the hull more stable and the plans show the rudder larger to aid steering. All in all its a very good hull and we are well pleased with it.

The hull is indeed 60 inches long and beautifully made. All the rivets are there (for the rivet counters) and it even has a modified section of plating where the original Waverley had repairs.

The paddle wheels are all shiny and well cut, and should be interesting to assemble. Whether they influence the sailing, matters not, because of the realism of the construction.

The paddle boxes are pre formed moulds, so this will save getting the build wrong, and will enhance the model when fitted. I even bought the stanchions, as these are special with two holes and a plain top for fitting the wooden rail.

Of course there are a lot more pieces to get and build, but I was assured that these would keep me occupied for the time being !!